The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has completed translocation of more than 100 animals from Kyle Recreational Park to Mushandike Game Park near Mashava as part of measures to de-congest the former.

The move is also tailored to promote tourism at Mushandike and increase animal diversity at the wildlife sanctuary that is undergoing expansion to promote domestic tourism and benefit adjacent communities.

It is also envisaged that the move will also boost learning activities at Mushandike College of Wildlife, as students will have increased scope for conducting practical subjects.

ZimParks public relations manager Mr Tinashe Farawo said the translocation of wildlife was done last week.

“We did research and discovered that there was overpopulation of game at Kyle Recreational Park, so we translocated 100 animals comprising zebras, warthogs, wildebeest, sables and giraffes to Mushandike Game Park.

“The exercise was successfully conducted to depopulate Kyle,” he said.

“Besides promoting tourism at Mushandike for the benefit of adjacent communities, the translocation of wildlife will also be handy for educational activities at our Mushandike College, were students will be able to conduct practicals in wildlife studies.”

Mr Farawo said besides the translocated wild animals, work was already underway to introduce crocodile farming at Mushandike, with ponds that will house the reptiles already under construction.

“We identified crocodile farming as one of the low-hanging fruits at Mushandike Game Park that has potential to boost tourism. At the end of the day, we also want our activities there to benefit surrounding communities.”

He allayed fears over the security of translocated game at Mushandike, saying sufficient groundwork was done before moving the animals.

“Our ecologists went to the ground to conduct research to make sure there was enough food and water before moving the game, which is very critical. We also rehabilitated the Mushandike perimeter fence to make sure our animals will be safe, so everything is in good shape,” said Mr Farawo.

There were fears that resettled farmers around Mushandike could pillage and plunder the recently translocated wildlife, taking advantage of the vandalised perimeter fence around the game park.